FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 62, 11 February 1936, Page 7

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

QUESTIONS IN COMMONSEGYPT AND CHINA. ME, EDEN’S REPLIES. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Received February 11, 11.27 a.m. RUGBY, Feb. 10. The Foreign Secretary (Mr R- A. Eden) was asked in the House of Commons at question time for an assurance that, in view of the changed international, situation, the complete freedom of action of His Majesty’s Government in the negotiations lor a treaty with Egypt would not be restricted by the terms of the earlier draft treaties. Mr Eden replied: “The principle that no Government can be bound by the provisions of inconclusive pervious negotiations is, of course, well recognised in international practice. In the present negotiations the application of this principle must, naturally, be governed by the mutual interests of tlio two countries.” Mr Eden had a number of questions, to answer regarding report's of diversions of Customs, salt, and other revenue collected in North China. In his replies he stated that his information was that Customs revenue was not, in fact, being diverted. Salt revenue was being paid to the credit of the Central Government, the part necessary for loan service being sent to Shanghai. He was fully aware of the large British interests involved, and was being kept informed of all the developments, but lie had no information suggesting that the position in regard to the service of foreign loans had been affected, and in the circumstances the question of making representations did not arise.